Vermont Hearings Begin on Assisted Death Bill

Former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin told lawmakers she supports legislation that would allow physicians to help terminally ill patients end their own lives.

Kunin testified Tuesday before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. During her testimony, Kunin talked about the recent death of her brother Edgar. She says he told her he was ready to die. She did not say if he would have taken advantage of such a law if it was in place during his final illness.

The committee is holding four days of hearings on a proposal that would allow terminally ill patients to request lethal doses of drugs.

Committee Chairwoman Senator Claire Ayer says she hopes her panel will vote favorably on the bill by Friday.

Recent polling reveals some new information on how Massachusetts voters feel about some of the ballot questions to be decided on election day. WAMC’s Berkshire Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports that many are still divided on the issues…

A statewide survey recently conducted by the Polling institute at Western New England Voters reveals two things. One, a majority of voters appear to support legalizing medical marijuana, and Two, voters are at almost an even split over the so-called “Death with Dignity” question.